What are the restrictions on lawn mower usage in France this summer?

Reader Question: My neighbour says he is annoyed that new rules stopped him from being able to mow his lawn this summer, but it is the first I have heard of it. Are there really rules against this? 

Property owners in France are undoubtedly familiar with changing rules throughout the year that can affect their properties.

From drought restrictions preventing water usage for swimming pools and watering gardens to mandatory garden undergrowth clearance, there is no shortage of temporary restrictions of which to be aware. 

When it comes to maintenance of your garden however, many are set to be impacted by rules passed for this summer.

Authorities in more than 20 departments have banned the use of lawn mowers during certain daytime hours to reduce noise pollution, particularly in quieter rural areas. 

The aim is to reduce risk of noise pollution

Generally, using a lawn mower falls under standard noise pollution rules for DIY and garden work.

They can be used:

• During working hours (08:30 - 12:00, 14:00 - 19:30) on weekdays

• Between 09:00 - 12:00 and 15:00 - 19:30 on Saturdays

• Between 10:00 - 12:00 on Sundays and public holidays

Those using mowers outside of these times risk noise disturbance complaints from neighbours, which can lead to fines.

This summer however, departments have been able to pass an additional restriction banning the use of lawn mowers between 12:00 and 16:00 on all days, so limiting more hours where this is possible. During the high summer temperatures it is also considered better if grass is cut when the air is cooler.

Fines for breaking this rule can reach €68, although in most cases this is unlikely to be levied for a first offence, and authorities will look to remind you of the rules and find an amicable solution between mower and plaintiff.

Note that the ban does not apply to robot lawn mowers, which can be programmed to run during the scheduled hours provided they do not break noise pollution rules.

The departments in which the rules are currently in place include:

• Aveyron

• Charente

• Charente-Maritime

• Corrèze

• Creuse

• Dordogne

• Drôme

• Gard

• Gers

• Gironde

• Hérault

• Landes

• Lot

• Lot-et-Garonne

• Lozère

• Pyrénées-Atlantiques

• Hautes-Pyrénées,

• Pyrénées-Orientales

• Tarn

• Tarn-et-Garonne

• Var

• Vaucluse

• Haute-Vienne

Other departments may be added to this list and in some cases the use of certain lawn mowers, such as petrol-powered mowers, can be banned during periods of drought or fire risk. 

If in any doubt, check with your local mairie what rules are in place.